Eduardo Alves Torres, the 1st prize winner in "Dongguan through Foreigners' Eyes" photography collection activity

Eduardo Alves Torres, who came from Brazil, is the biggest winner in "Dongguan through Foreigners' Eyes" photography collection activity. In total, 6 of his pictures were among the 20 winners in the category "Dongguan through Foreigners' Eyes". He almost made a clean sweep of the prizes including one 1st prize, one 2nd prize, one 3rd prize and three prizes for Excellence. Let's explore the city through his eyes to see how he accomplished this.

Eduardo has been in Dongguan for 20 years, working as a manager in a big clothing company in Dongcheng district. His career was the main reason he came to Dongguan which even back then was known as a famous manufacturing city. Talking about the past 20 years, he spoke of the speed of development, people's behaviour and the environment as the main changes which have impressed him most. Dongguan was almost a farm when he arrived, but gradually more and more tall buildings and new roads rose up. "All these changes happened very quickly. Every time I returned from visiting my own country, everything seemed new." He added that in the beginning, almost nobody spoke English, and very few foreigners were in Dongguan, but now things are different. More people can speak English fluently and Dongguan has become more of an international city attracting more and more foreigners to work and live. He praised that Dongguan developed in a healthy way. "I think the city is in a correct way. All the development is good."

He had participated in "Dongguan through Foreigners' Eyes" Photography Tour last October and had a good impression. Indeed, 4 of his pictures were received awards during the tour. He took many photos in Chashan which mainly showed the beauty of reflections in water, and the old town. He considers that Dongguan has done a good job preserving the old. "No matter in Keyuan park or Chashan Nanshe Ancient Village, we may experience cultural activities and even intangible cultural heritage projects. On the other hand, it was amazing to visit the science museum in Songshan Lake. The history and modern look blended, which makes Dongguan even more charming."

Most of his pictures which received awards were taken by phone. He explained that not all good results came from a good camera. The most important element of a good picture is the perspective and composition. He had taken some online photography courses, paying particular attention to composition. "When I take a picture, the history is what I want to tell and the moment is what I want to register, not just a picture." In addition, the correct angle and idea are important factors to consider. For example, in Expat in Dongguan (the 1st Prize work), a foreign friend was taking pictures from old Keyuan, and in the distance, there were some new buildings. The scene was perfect.

Eduardo appreciated this activity much, and hoped that there will be more activities like this for people to explore beautiful Dongguan. "Maybe next year, Dongguan will have a completely new visage."